Gogal Publishing Co. releases Stream Map USA for iPhone and iPad

Gogal Publishing Company releases its first two editions of Stream Map USA for iPhone and iPad. Each app is a complete GPS map and navigation tool for anglers, paddlers, hunters, hikers and just about anyone who plays in the outdoors.

Stream Map USA features a searchable river, lake and stream map displayed over GPS-enabled roadmaps, satellite images, and topographic maps. The “Northeast Edition” covers all of New England, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while the “West Coast Edition” maps California, Oregon and Washington.

Traditional maps have always treated rivers and streams as simple blue lines. This has made it difficult to quickly identify streams and almost impossible to follow a stream’s flow without careful study of the map labels. Stream Map USA takes a novel approach. Each river, lake and stream is mapped as a unique color. This allows users to quickly differentiate any water from its tributaries and follow any river or stream’s course from headwaters to mouth. When wading, hiking, or paddling, this color treatment easily identifies the direction one needs to travel to remain on the desired stream.

Stream Maps USA features a built-in search function, allowing users to easily find even the most obscure stream by simply entering its name. Color coded result pins then drop on the map, identifying any water that matches their search. The search page allows users to specify any combination of rivers, lakes and streams, and can be set to search the entire region or narrow a search to a specific state or even a specific county.

When planning to travel on the water, knowing current water conditions is a key safety feature, so Stream Map USA includes map markers that identify the location of active stream gages and gives users instant access to current water conditions directly from the US Geologic Survey.

In the field, cellular service is always a concern, so many features in Stream Map USA are designed to operate without cellular service. The map features a unique “Browse and Store” technology that allows users to store maps locally as they are browsed. These maps can then be automatically recalled, making them available for offline use. A simple “Clear Map Cache” button easily removes stored maps, eliminating any data storage concerns.

With or without phone service, users can create and edit custom waypoints for planning purposes or save important destinations for future access. Waypoints are created by capturing the user’s current location, entering GPS coordinates, or with a simple touch of the map. Each waypoint can then be named and notes can be added or edited at any time.

Waypoints are also the key to two powerful navigation tools in Stream Map USA. For turn-by-turn driving directions, users simply tap a waypoint’s “GO” button. This opens Apple’s “Maps” app for immediate driving directions to the desired waypoint.

For wilderness navigation, a built-in field compass displays a user’s GPS coordinates, heading, altitude and speed of travel and can operate like a handheld GPS. When a waypoint is set using the “Target ” button, the compass adds a red direction-of-travel arrow that points the way and counts down the distance to the targeted destination.

“We wanted to step away from traditional mapping and create a 21st century map of America’s streams harnessing the power of digital mapping, GPS technology, and the smartphone,” said author and company president Mike Gogal. “With the release of Stream Map USA, we think we’ve done just that!”

Both the Northeast and West Coast Editions of Stream Map USA are now available on the AppStore for the introductory price of $8.99. A third edition is also well under way covering the eastern coastal states from Maryland to Florida. This edition should be available in mid-October. According to Mr. Gogal, “We’re hoping to have the entire US completed by mid 2016.”

He noted that Android users need not feel left out. “We’re well under way on our Android development and hope to release Stream Map USA for both Android phones and tablets before the end of the year.”